I'll admit that I'm running out of steam on this topic, but I wanted to end by addressing the topic of "How" because it is at this point that most people get tripped up on the topic. Also, by addressing this topic, I hope to relieve some misgivings which tend to spook those who would give consideration to the prophetic.
Discernment is paramount when it comes to prophecy. Throughout the history of the church, purported "prophets" have brought reproach upon the prophetic--indeed upon the Christian faith--by creating hysteria and misleading the masses through outlandish pronouncements.
This is unfortunate and palpably awkward. The world did not end on May 21, 2011, nor did it end in 1988 (though 1988 did mark the end of the world of glam rock!). At times the results have been outright disastrous, as in the case of David Koresh and his Branch Davidian sect.
